Estonia keeps Russian border crossings restricted as security fears grow

The restrictions apply to the Koidula and Luhamaa road crossings in the country’s southeast, which have operated only from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. since February. Estonia introduced the restrictions after repeated Russian violations of its border.

Starting June 15, operating hours will also be shortened at the pedestrian crossing in Narva. It will also operate only 12 hours a day, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro said Russia has shown no willingness in recent months to improve the situation, so relaxing the restrictions is not currently under consideration.

He said the shorter schedule allows personnel to be deployed more efficiently to guard the border and staff customs services.

On Dec. 17, 2025, three Russian border guards briefly crossed into Estonian territory, after which border patrols in the area were reinforced. Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, described the incident as part of Russia’s hybrid war and a test of NATO’s response.

It was later reported that Estonia was considering closing its border with Russia after the incident.

In October 2025, Estonia’s border service closed the Saatse crossing because more military units than usual were present nearby on Russian territory.